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Beck gazed out across the bright waters to Intrepid. She looked beautiful and sleek against the blue of the sky and sea. And onboard was Micki. He wondered what she was doing right now. He eyed the bridge but it was too far away to see through the glass that kept out UV rays. He wondered if she was watching the group here on the beach.
Their night together was imprinted in his mind. It had been spectacular but the opportunity for another night with Micki hadn't presented itself. She'd brushed him off last night when he visited the bridge, which made him question if another night together would happen.
Jessica touched his shoulder. "Lunch is ready. Did you want to call everyone to the table?"
Beck nodded. "Yes, thanks. Another great job, Jess. It all looks wonderful." He smiled at her and then waved the swimmers in. The staff greeted them with towels.
"Please find a seat at the table. I hope you enjoy lunch." He waited until all were settled before taking his own at the head of the table.
Beck lifted a glass of ice water and took a long drink. He looked around the table and was pleased to see smiles, nodding heads, and murmurs of positivity.
He put his glass down and spoke, "Thank you for joining me today. I hope you all got a good sense of what my goals are for the island. A packet will be handed out during our meal and will have all the information you need. We can review it after dinner tonight. But, how about we relax and enjoy the lunch my crew has put together for you."
.
13
Ifrowned at the radar and glanced out the windows.
"Not good," I said to Greg who'd joined me in the wheelhouse. "Looks like we're in for some weather."
"I agree. I've been watching it as well. Are you thinking we should readjust our sailing plans?"
"Let's keep an eye on this and see if we can determine what this little monster might want to do," I told him.
I took my binoculars out onto the port wing. I raised them and scanned the skyline and then the beach. Their tour was done and they were seated for lunch. I checked my watch and by the schedule I'd been provided they must be finishing up. I found Beck and gasped to see he was looking straight at me. I dropped the binoculars for a second and then lifted them. How did he know I was looking at him? Or, had he looked up at the same time? He didn't have binoculars, it had to be chance.
I went back in. "It appears lunch is over and they're chatting around the table. Can you connect with Jess, and let her know to pack up and be ready? I'll text Mr. Steele and let him know the situation. Let's give it half an hour and give this system time to turn away from us before deciding to radio the shore excursion to head back early."
"Will do. On it."
I texted Beck about the situation and that we were giving it 30 minutes.
When the wind picked up about fifteen minutes later, I had a feeling that we shouldn't wait any longer and instead get everyone back onboard now. The clouds were rolling in quickly and so far, the waves remained low, thanks to the island. Our tenders were good and solid, but if the waves picked up, then it wouldn't be a pleasant ride back.
Just as I was going to text Beck, my phone pinged.
Beck - do we need to head back sooner?
Me - Yeah, I was hoping the weather would shift but it hasn't.
Beck. - We weren't expecting any weather.
Me. - I know, but I have been watching a system. I'm not surprised with this heat and humidity. We're in the lee of the island, the waves aren't too bad at the moment but it will only get worse. I just wanted you all to know the situation
Beck - I see Jess is packed up
Me - good, Greg messaged her earlier to be ready.
Beck - right, see you soon.
My heart jumped "see you soon". Strange how simple words could create an aching anticipation.
I went out to the bridge wing and watched them bundle all the gear and guests into the tenders. I'd sent out a Zodiac to help and it was a good thing too, because this cranky bit of weather was rearing its ugly head.
The boats arrived, and everyone was aboard safe and sound. I had a feeling we wouldn't be going anywhere until this weather passed. I gave the order to batten the hatches and the stabilizers would be used tonight. A night at a mooring in a storm meant a long one for me and much of the crew.
It was hard to focus on this meeting, especially since the storm blew in and seemed to settle right above them. He thought of Micki and was concerned for her, as well as the crew. It was paramount that the guests were kept comfortable. Beck tried not to worry about this being Micki's first storm aboard Intrepid and out at anchor. Intrepid was riding the storm gracefully without too much rolling and he was glad Micki chose this spot to anchor when they first arrived.
